Lampara

SEPTEMBER is the month dedicated to vocation promotion here in the archdiocese. Who else would be the best person to represent the religious life if not the archbishop?

As we have seen and heard in the Special Episode of the program Tingog sa Magbalantay at DXGN 89.9 Spirit FM last September 4, 2022, the Most Rev. Romulo G. Valles, D.D. has completed his 25th year as a bishop. He has been 10 years as archbishop of Davao.

Listening to his vocation story, one may realize a few things about him and may appreciate how he lives his life becoming as climbed the ladder as head steward or “piniyalan” in the local Church of Davao.

First, his call to the religious life was a bit loud. As he shared, coming from an “average Catholic Filipino family”, the community where he grew up was so close to the church. Beginning from Maribojoc, Bohol and migrating here in Davao Oriental, it has stirred in him that desire to also serve and become closer to the life of the church. His fascination with people who served in the church as well as his discovery from them the secret to a joyful life as he has seen brought him to discover that Jesus is the light to a world darkened by sin and trials.

Second, all of us though how feeling shy we may be, are called to serve the Lord. Having heard from the beginnings of Archbishop Muloy, makes one think that in serving the Lord, we just have to bring our YES, our wholehearted and sincere YES to the Master. Perhaps the young Muloy, the priest Muloy has not yet realized that he needed the skill of public speaking. But during the time that he needed it, he STOOD UP because he already said YES to the Lord. Like the timid and fearful apostles after the resurrection of Jesus, he became bold in proclaiming the Good News of God’s love and light.

Third, as we journey in this life, no matter how far we’ve become, no matter how high is our status in the society we may be, we have to keep in mind that we are sinners. Realizing our imperfections will keep us grounded. It creates in us the desire to love those who are also difficult to love. It makes us develop our patience to become light to the impatient and the defiant.

The Archbishop has kept on using the “lens of humility” in looking at the flock entrusted to him, in looking at his companion priests because in doing so, he’d be more compassionate. This compassion is indeed felt by the clergy as expressed on the night of August 6, his 25th Episcopal Anniversary, when he was gifted with a precious LAMPARA which brought him to tears.

The antique ornament led the Archbishop to reminisce his days as a boy when he did not only use it but has been entrusted to clean it regularly. He was deeply touched being given this lamp because it does not only symbolize his past but also his present. Today, he is that lamp who guides his flock in the Archdiocese. His light is the light of faith in the journey of life. His wish is that all may have their own flame. His flame might flicker, his gas might run low, but others might depend on the light that he gives.